Missy Elliott is hosting and co-producing a new show in the US which aims to recruit an unspecified number of wannabe rap stars before taking them on tour.

The Pop Idol-meets-Reborn In The USA show, already dubbed 'Hip Hop Idol' (although its working title is The Missy Elliott Project), will test the fledgling rappers on Elliott's huge tour alongside both Alicia Keys and Beyoncé. Auditions have already begun, so any US readers looking for a slice of the diamond-crusted bling bling pie had better haul ass. There's no word yet as to exactly how the show will work, or on whether the eventual winner will earn a record contract a la Pop Idol.

DiScuss: Should the queen of the blingers, the hip hop V.I.P. really be lowering herself to this level, or does this sound like a great idea to you? What would your rap name be?